Regular caravan servicing is not optional - it is essential for safety, reliability, and protecting the value of your investment. A well-maintained caravan is a safe caravan, and catching small issues early prevents them from becoming expensive breakdowns hundreds of kilometres from home. Yet many caravan owners are unsure about what a service actually involves, how often they need one, and whether they can tackle some checks themselves.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about caravan servicing in 2026, from the pre-trip checks you should do before every outing to the comprehensive annual service that keeps your van in peak condition. If you are in Adelaide, our servicing and maintenance team at Dario Caravans can handle everything on this list.
Pre-Trip Checks - Before Every Journey
You do not need a mechanic for these - they take ten to fifteen minutes and should become second nature before every trip. Think of them as your personal safety net. Skipping pre-trip checks is the number one cause of avoidable caravan breakdowns on Australian highways.
- Tyre pressure and condition: Check all tyres (including the spare) with a reliable gauge when cold. Refer to your caravan's compliance plate for the correct pressure - it varies by tyre size and load. Look for cracks, bulges, uneven wear, and tread depth (minimum 1.5 mm legally, but replace at 3 mm for safety).
- Wheel nuts: Torque all wheel nuts to the manufacturer's specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Loosened wheel nuts are frighteningly common, especially after a tyre change or brake service.
- Coupling and safety chains: Inspect the coupling mechanism for wear and ensure it locks fully onto the tow ball. Safety chains must be crossed beneath the coupling and short enough that they do not drag on the road but long enough to allow full turning.
- Breakaway cable: Confirm the breakaway cable is connected to the tow vehicle (not the coupling) and that the breakaway battery is charged.
- Lights and indicators: Have someone watch while you test all lights - tail lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse light, and number plate light. Carry spare bulbs or know your LED wiring.
- Gas bottles: Check gas bottle connections for leaks using soapy water. Ensure bottles are turned off during travel and the regulator is within its compliance date (stamped on the body, typically 10 years).
- Water system: Drain any residual water from lines if the van has been sitting. Check the water pump operates and inspect for visible leaks beneath the van.
- Handbrake and jockey wheel: Confirm the handbrake releases fully and the jockey wheel retracts and locks. A dragging handbrake destroys brake shoes in a single trip.
Annual Service Items - What Gets Checked
An annual service should be performed at least once per year or every 10,000 km - whichever comes first. For full-time travellers, consider servicing every 6 months. A comprehensive annual service covers the mechanical, electrical, gas, and structural systems of your caravan. Here is what a thorough technician will inspect and service.
Chassis and Running Gear
- Inspect the chassis for cracks, corrosion, or fatigue - particularly around spring hangers, A-frame welds, and cross-members.
- Check leaf springs or independent suspension components for sagging, broken leaves, or worn bushes.
- Service wheel bearings: remove, clean, inspect, repack with quality grease, and adjust. Replace bearings and seals if worn.
- Inspect brakes: measure drum and shoe thickness, check adjuster mechanisms, and test electric brake magnets or hydraulic override systems.
- Check axle alignment - misaligned axles cause uneven tyre wear and poor towing stability.
- Inspect shock absorbers for leaks and test for damping performance.
Coupling and Towing Components
- Inspect coupling head wear and test locking mechanism.
- Check jockey wheel for smooth operation and secure mounting.
- Test handbrake operation and adjust cable tension if necessary.
- Inspect safety chains for stretch, corrosion, or damaged links.
- Test breakaway system - both cable operation and battery charge.
Electrical System
- Test all road lights, interior lights, and accessories.
- Check 240 V mains wiring, RCD safety switch, and power inlet condition.
- Test battery charger output and battery health.
- Inspect 12 V wiring for chafing, corrosion, or loose connections.
- Check solar panel output and controller operation if fitted.
Gas System
- Perform a gas pressure-drop test to detect leaks.
- Inspect gas lines, fittings, and regulator.
- Test gas appliance operation - stove, oven, hot water system, and heater.
- Check gas bottle restraints and compartment ventilation.
Body, Seals, and Interior
- Inspect all external seals around windows, doors, hatches, and roof penetrations. Reapply sealant where cracked or shrunk.
- Check the roof for delamination, cracks, or pooling water.
- Test all windows and hatches for smooth operation and effective sealing.
- Inspect internal walls and ceiling for signs of water ingress - stains, soft spots, or musty odour.
- Check all door hinges, catches, and locks.
- Inspect flooring for soft spots that may indicate water damage beneath.
16-Point vs 56-Point Service - What Is the Difference?
You will often see caravan service centres advertising a "16-point" or "56-point" service. The number refers to how many individual inspection items are on the checklist. A 16-point service is a basic safety check - it typically covers tyres, brakes, bearings, lights, coupling, and gas pressure test. It is suitable as a mid-year check or for new caravans under warranty that are not due for a full service.
A 56-point (or similar comprehensive) service is a full nose-to-tail inspection covering everything listed above: chassis, suspension, brakes, bearings, electrical, gas, plumbing, seals, body condition, and all appliances. This is the service you want annually. At Dario Caravans, our comprehensive service covers over 60 individual check points and includes a written report with photos of any issues found.
DIY Maintenance vs Professional Servicing
There is plenty you can do yourself to keep your caravan in good shape between professional services. Pre-trip checks (above) are entirely DIY. You can also clean and treat external seals with a UV protectant, keep the chassis clean of road grime and salt, lubricate hinges and locks, and keep your water tanks clean with a food-safe sanitiser.
However, some tasks require specialist tools, equipment, or qualifications. Bearing repacks require proper jacking, specific grease, and torque specifications. Gas testing must be performed by a licensed gas fitter. Electrical work on 240 V systems requires a licensed electrician. Brake adjustments need accurate measurement and testing. For these items, a professional service is not just convenient - it is a legal and safety requirement.
A professional service also provides documented proof of maintenance history. This is valuable for insurance claims, warranty support, and resale value. Ask your service centre for a written report after every service.
When Should You Service Your Caravan?
As a minimum, every 12 months or 10,000 km. But there are situations where you should bring your service forward:
- After purchasing a second-hand caravan - always get a full service and inspection regardless of what the seller claims.
- Before a long trip - especially if the van has been sitting for several months.
- After towing on corrugated roads or through water crossings - these conditions accelerate wear on bearings, suspension, and seals.
- If you notice unusual tyre wear, swaying while towing, unusual noises, water leaks, or any electrical faults.
- After an incident - even a minor bump can misalign the chassis or damage the coupling.
Ready to book your caravan in for a service? Our servicing and maintenance team at Dario Caravans provides comprehensive, no-surprise servicing for all caravan makes and models. We are based in Adelaide and service vans from across South Australia.